Bac Ninh's centrally governed city status to underpin next phase of growth

Updated: 22:38, 24/07/2026

BAC NINH - The Communist Party's Central Committee has approved in principle the establishment of Bac Ninh City as a centrally governed municipality. In an interview with Bac Ninh Newspaper, Radio and Television, Mai Son, Standing Vice Chairman of the Bac Ninh People's Committee, said the decision marked a significant milestone that would reshape the province's development model and strengthen its urban governance.

What does the Central Committee's approval mean for Bac Ninh's roadmap to becoming a centrally governed city?

Standing Vice Chairman of the Bac Ninh People's Committee Mai Son.

The approval represents a major milestone in Bac Ninh's development. It reflects recognition by the Party Central Committee of the province's achievements over many years and demonstrates strong support for its long-term development strategy.

The proposal will now be further refined before the government submits it to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.

More importantly, the decision is not simply about granting Bac Ninh a new administrative status. It requires the province to fundamentally improve its development model, economic competitiveness and urban governance.

A centrally governed city must deliver higher-quality growth, better infrastructure, more efficient public services and improved living standards.

Bac Giang is designated as the province's central urban area and a multi-functional city.

The development plan envisions Bac Ninh as a green, smart and modern city while preserving the cultural heritage of the Kinh Bac region. Science, technology, innovation and digital transformation will serve as the primary drivers of growth, with priority given to high-tech industries, especially electronics, semiconductors, integrated circuits and artificial intelligence.

The strategy leverages Bac Ninh's strengths and strategic location in the Hanoi Capital Region, the Red River Delta and key economic corridors.

Which issues did the Central Committee emphasise during its discussions, and how will Bac Ninh incorporate those recommendations before the proposal is submitted to the National Assembly?

Electronics and high-tech manufacturing dominate the province's industrial sector.

One key message from the Central Committee was that establishing a centrally governed city must go beyond changing the administrative model. It must create a genuine shift in economic growth and urban governance.

The Committee also highlighted the importance of appropriate policy mechanisms and development resources. A centrally governed city needs governance tools and financial capacity commensurate with its responsibilities in planning, infrastructure, science and technology, environmental protection, public finance and institutional development.

The province will continue to study and propose suitable policy mechanisms while strengthening implementation capacity, accountability and administrative efficiency.

Agriculture is shifting towards integrated commodity production with higher value-added output.

It will also further define implementation timelines, responsible agencies, funding sources and expected outcomes.

Following the Central Committee's approval, what will be Bac Ninh's immediate priorities?

The immediate task is to carefully incorporate the Central Committee's recommendations and work closely with relevant ministries to finalise the proposal and legal documentation before submission to the National Assembly.

At the same time, the province remains focused on achieving its 2026 socio-economic development goals.

Alongside developing new growth drivers, Bac Ninh will narrow the development gap between urban and rural areas by investing in transport infrastructure, clean water, environmental protection, healthcare, education and other essential public services.

The services sector is developing along modern lines to meet the standards of a centrally governed city.

Urban development and the establishment of new wards must translate into better living standards, more employment opportunities and broader access to the benefits of economic growth.

Another priority is preparing an efficient administrative system and a professional civil service capable of managing a centrally governed city. Officials will be expected to adopt modern governance practices, strengthen digital capabilities and place residents and businesses at the centre of public administration.

The province will also continue to publicise its planning process and encourage public participation. Consultations conducted so far have shown strong public support for the proposal, providing momentum for its implementation in the coming period.

The Central Committee's approval is a source of pride for all of us, but we must not be complacent with what has been achieved.

Every Party committee, government body and public institution must clearly define its responsibilities, continue striving to fulfil its tasks, uphold discipline and ensure national defence, public security and social order.